2019 Best Schools in the Columbia, MO AreaAbout this List

Columbia Independent School

• Private School
• Columbia, MO
• PK, K-12
• 25

Sophomore: I have been a student at CIS since I was in kindergarten, and although there are definitely some things that could be changed, it is overall an incredibly inclusive and growth-oriented environment. The opportunities presented are incredible, especially considering the size of the school. The class sizes are small, especially in the high school, but the teachers are always there for you, and the interaction between faculty and staff is unique and completely worth the tuition!
Read 25 Reviews

• A+

• 325 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rock Bridge Senior High School

• Columbia School District, MO
• PK, 9-12
• 368

Senior: Rock Bridge HS is a great school with lots of opportunities. The teachers and clubs are the highlights of the school. There are hundreds of clubs, so everyone truly has something for them. The teachers are supportive, encouraging, and care about you and your success. I always feel safe at school, and the school does all it can to keep its students safe and prepared. There are a lot of opportunities for clubs, trips, and college preparation!
Read 368 Reviews

• A+

• 1,889 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

David H. Hickman High School

• Columbia School District, MO
• PK, 9-12
• 444

Alum: Attended Hickman from 2014-18. A school with lots of history, excellent academics, and a strong sense of community and tradition. Faculty and staff are very supportive and are willing to help any child, regardless of his individual background. This school will prepare you for post-secondary education while providing you with the values you need to succeed in life.

The primary issue with Hickman is the student body. A substantial minority population, combined with lower levels of income, mean that Hickman lags behind Rock Bridge and other schools in terms of extracurriculars. The football and basketball programs both have losing records. Fine arts and musical theater are subpar, with the exception of the nationally-acclaimed band program.

In summary, a good school with strong academics, but one that is seriously behind when it comes to extracurriculars.
Read 444 Reviews

• A

• 1,686 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fr. Tolton Catholic High School

• Private School
• Columbia, MO
• 9-12
• 20

Senior: Fr. Tolton Catholic High School offers a unique high school experience for those in attendance. Its house system allows for community among the students. The small school atmosphere gives students the opportunity to grow closer to one another through faith. It offers challenging classes that prepare students for college, and teachers willing to work with them. The courses are rigorous and the athletics are competitive. It is a great school; one that I have grown quite fond of these past four years. My hope is that Tolton will continue drawing students toward their faith and that everyone can witness the potential I see in Tolton!
Read 20 Reviews

• A

• 287 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Blair Oaks Elementary School

• Blair Oaks R-II School District, MO
• PK, K-4
• 1

Senior: Blair Oaks is a really safe place for children. Violence is a rarity, stealing isn't common, and bullying is to a minimum.
Read 1 Review

• A

• 396 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mill Creek Elementary School

• Columbia School District, MO
• PK, K-5

• A

• 752 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School

• Columbia School District, MO
• PK, K-5

• A-

• 394 Students
• 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Midway Heights Elementary School

• Columbia School District, MO
• PK, K-5

• A-

• 243 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Helias Catholic High School

• Private School
• Jefferson City, MO
• 9-12
• 118

Alum: I attended Helias High School from 2013 through 2017 and I greatly enjoyed my experience there. Helias faculty and staff really prepares you for college level classes and helps you manage time so you can easily adapt to a busy college schedule. Helias also offers a variety of sports and clubs, so every student can find an extracurricular activity that fits their interests. While Helias challenged me academically, they also hosted a variety of fun events for students. Ranging from Homecoming Week, multiple dances a year, plenty of public speakers and presentations, and many others. Helias to me was a good blend of academics and fun, that I would recommend to any student.
Read 118 Reviews

• A-

• 680 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Ann Hawkins Gentry Middle School

• Columbia School District, MO
• 6-8

• A-

• 803 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Jefferson Junior High School

• Columbia School District, MO
• 6-8

• A-

• 543 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Russell Boulevard Elementary School

• Columbia School District, MO
• PK, K-5

• A-

• 569 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Christian Fellowship School

• Private School
• Columbia, MO
• PK, K-12
• 21

Parent: Christian Fellowship School has been a wonderful experience for our children. All kids started CFS in kindergarten, and have continued for several years now. CFS has exceeded our expectations for academics, and the love and support from teachers is incredible. Several years ago, we had a tragic death in the family. The teacher and aid for our child were so helpful that year, in addressing grief. The way they could take our child aside, and pray with them, then communicate to us was gracious, loving, and so supportive.

We cannot imagine our lives without CFS!
Read 21 Reviews

• A-

• 316 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mary Paxton Keeley Elementary School

• Columbia School District, MO
• PK, K-5

• A-

• 723 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

John Ridgeway Elementary School

• Columbia School District, MO
• K-5

• A-

• 239 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Heritage Academy

• Private School
• Columbia, MO
• K-12
• 21

Senior: I really enjoyed the school! Awesome people and teachers. I would recommend this school anyone in the local area. I only went there part time but loved it. The teachers are super knowledgeable about whatever topic they are speaking on and really make it enjoyable for all of the students. I am super connected with my fiends and all of them are great people. The school provides an awesome atmosphere. Heritage also allowed me to get connected with people outside of school through social events and sports. I played soccer and basketball and the coaches were all amazing and truly wanted us to succeed in all aspects of life.
Read 21 Reviews

• A-

• 104 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fairview Elementary School

• Columbia School District, MO
• PK, K-5

• A-

• 553 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

California High School

• Moniteau County R-I School District, MO
• 9-12
• 69

Senior: California High School offers many different clubs and organizations for the student body. In addition to clubs and organizations, California High School offers excellent courses with great teachers. Students have a great opportunity to engage in a 1-on-1 conversation with teachers. Other than academics, California High School offers great athletic programs, including football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and many more. California High School has state-of-the-art athletic facilities on campus for athletic and community use. California High School has been by home for the past four years and I wouldn't want to spend time at any other school.
Read 69 Reviews

• A-

• 415 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Calvary Lutheran High School

• Private School
• Jefferson City, MO
• 9-12
• 8

Senior: At Calvary we are a family! Teachers and administration try very hard to work with us students when we are struggling academically, socially, or any other way. I do wish that Calvary was a bit more diverse. Everyone is very conservative, so that makes it difficult to gain real world experience - where everyone has different opinions.
Read 8 Reviews

• A-

• 131 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Hallsville Intermediate School

• Hallsville R-IV School District, MO
• 2-5

• A-

• 422 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Blair Oaks Middle School

• Blair Oaks R-II School District, MO
• 5-8

• B+

• 370 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rock Bridge Elementary School

• Columbia School District, MO
• PK, K-5

• B+

• 635 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fatima Elementary School

• Osage County R-III School District, MO
• PK, K-6

• B+

• 388 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Robert E. Lee Elementary School

• Columbia School District, MO
• PK, K-5

• B+

• 335 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

California Elementary School

• Moniteau County R-I School District, MO
• PK, K-5

• B+

• 628 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio